JACKSONVILLE – Keilan Robinson isn't fazed by all this. The Jaguars' fifth-round 2024 draft pick began his college career at Alabama, and then used the transfer portal to find new opportunities at Texas. He's used to the big stage and expectations that come with every practice – let alone game days. Robinson is powerfully built on a compact frame, and in some ways resembles former Jaguars great Maurice Jones-Drew. Jones-Drew was a Swiss Army knife of an offensive weapon as a rookie in 2006 and you can see where Robinson might be the same as a runner, receiver and – probably most similar to Jones-Drew – kick returner. He brings with him an electric smile and the energy of a guy who knows the opportunities ahead.
Robinson: It has been great so far, honestly. I feel like my time in college at those two schools prepared me a lot for what's going on in terms of the day-to-day operation – the grueling days, how hard our practices are and just being here all day. So, it has been a great transition. I love my teammates. I love all the coaches. I'm loving the city, so it has been really, really good.
Q: Alabama and Texas are loaded with NFL-caliber players. How did that prepare you for life as a professional running back?
A: It has helped me a lot. It's a different speed at each level, but it doesn't feel like that drastic of a change for me. Just always being around great players. I was preparing to practice against NFL players every day in Tuscaloosa and Austin. So just being around big guys at every position that can move really fast, especially linemen who move really fast, and the defensive backs with big-time speed to chase you down. But I've seen it all before and it has helped me shape my game and elevate it so I can perform at a high level up here.
Q: How frustrating was it to have something like a toe be the reason you had to watch part of training camp?
A: It was very tough, very frustrating. This is my first time ever hurting my foot. You can't realize how much you need to have your foot in good shape until all of a sudden, it's not there for you. I never thought about a certain cut or planting my foot to change directions. I was just always able to do it. I couldn't wait to show what I can really do consistently.
Q: On Draft Weekend, Jaguars General Manager Trent Baalke and Head Coach Doug Pederson both talked about you in terms of what you would bring to the new kickoff rules. What do you think of the new system?
A: Honestly, I love it. I love how it was before, but I love how it is now because it damn near guarantees that it's going to be a return of some type. They're kind of taking the touchbacks out of the game. It puts the ball in my hands more and it lets me show what I do every day running between different bodies, finding creases, hitting them, breaking tackles. I am very suited for that. I'm ready for it.
Q: NFL Training Camps are long days and short nights. It's mental as well as physical. How have you adjusted and how will you work to stay ahead so you're ready for the next practice?
A: I've been in the training room working to get back on the field and I'll stay there as much as I can, just doing everything they tell me to do and then doing little extra stuff on my own, extra stretching, and I am always hydrating. I make sure to hydrate before I go to sleep and then as soon as I wake up. Because we practice early, if you're not hydrated the night before, you put yourself at a disadvantage. I just take care of my body, stretch and do a lot of things to prevent injuries from happening, being more proactive than reactive.
Q: You're in a very talented and very competitive running back room with Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby. What has that group been like for you so far?
A: I love being in a room like this, being around a lot of great guys – Trav, Tank, D'Ernest Johnson. Even [fellow rookie] Jalen Jackson. Just having that competition, they push me every practice and honestly in every meeting. It's always super competitive. I know that I can't let up, being around a bunch of dudes like that. It stands out even more when you're not doing what you're supposed to do with those guys. I like being pushed. I played with a lot of great players at Alabama and Texas, so it's what I'm used to.
Q: You're getting to share this with your family. How are they enjoying your NFL journey?
A: They're enjoying it a lot, and from what I am able to tell them, they are kind of able to vicariously it through me. Honestly, I haven't even talked to them a whole lot throughout camp. I've just been locked in. I told my mom before I started, 'Hey I'll text you and all that kind of stuff. I might talk to you every few days.' I've just been here and as soon I get back the hotel, I'm studying my playbook, and I'm going to sleep. Then a few hours later, I'm back at it again. I know what it takes to get here and I'm learning what it takes to stay here, and it takes all my focus and attention every day. Really, every day is game day. I have to put my best foot forward. Think about it like it's a big old ocean and there's whole bunch of sharks and I can't get eaten up. I'm out here just working every day knowing that everybody else is working, too.
